Golden, glossy shrimp glazed in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce sit atop a tangle of perfectly stir-fried chow mein noodles, absorbing every last bit of flavor. Crisp-tender broccoli and bright green onions add a splash of freshness and crunch, transforming this dish into a colorful feast that hits every note—umami, sweet, salty, and just a hint of heat.

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein isn’t just a quick dinner idea—it’s a fast track to takeout-level satisfaction made right in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving an easy dinner recipe for weeknights or looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this stir-fry is packed with flavor and loaded with texture. It’s restaurant-style comfort food without the wait.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein

Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic glaze is a delicious fusion of sweet and savory with garlicky depth.
One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Stir-fry everything in one wok or skillet.
Balanced Meal: Includes lean protein, carbs, and vegetables in one colorful bowl.
Customizable: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or beef; add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Takeout at Home: Skip delivery and enjoy fresh, homemade Asian-inspired food.
Kid-Friendly: The glossy noodles and mildly sweet sauce are always a hit.
Great Leftovers: This reheats beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tempting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

Before diving into the sizzle of the wok, it’s key to have your setup ready. Stir-frying moves fast—so being prepared will make your cooking smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools & Why They Matter

Wok or Large Skillet
The high sides and wide surface area are perfect for stir-frying. A wok helps distribute heat evenly and allows you to toss ingredients efficiently.
Tongs or a Spatula
For flipping the shrimp and stirring noodles with control and ease.
Mixing Bowls (Multiple Sizes)
Use them to keep prepped ingredients separate—shrimp, noodles, sauce, and vegetables—so you can add them at the right times.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Essential for cutting vegetables quickly and cleanly, especially when working with broccoli florets or green onions.
Pot for Boiling Noodles
If you’re using dried chow mein noodles, a quick pre-boil before stir-frying will get them ready.
Small Saucepan or Bowl for Sauce Mixing
Combine your honey, soy sauce, garlic, and other liquid ingredients here so you can pour it in smoothly during cooking.
Strainer or Colander
Draining noodles or rinsing shrimp? You’ll need this handy.

Preparation Tips

Prep Everything Before Cooking: Stir-frying happens in minutes. Have shrimp peeled and deveined, broccoli cut, and sauce mixed before you turn on the heat.
Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly: Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of searing it. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice glaze.
Undercook Noodles Slightly: If pre-boiling chow mein noodles, keep them al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Cut Evenly: Keep vegetable pieces consistent in size for even cooking. Broccoli florets should be bite-sized, not bulky.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying relies on high temperatures to sear quickly and lock in flavor. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Taste the Sauce First: Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking before adding it to the pan. Honey, garlic, and soy can vary in intensity.
Garnish Last Minute: Add fresh green onions at the end to preserve their crispness and color.

Ingredients for This Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein

Here’s everything you need to bring this mouthwatering stir-fry to life. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

For the Shrimp

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
1 tbsp cornstarch – helps the shrimp develop a light crust and hold onto the sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil – for searing

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/4 cup honey – brings the signature sweetness
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – delivers deep umami and salt
4 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and bold
1 tbsp rice vinegar – balances sweetness with acidity
1 tsp sesame oil – adds depth and toasty richness
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle heat

For the Chow Mein

8 oz chow mein noodles (fresh or dried)
1 tbsp vegetable oil – for stir-frying the noodles and vegetables
2 cups broccoli florets – fresh and crunchy
2 green onions, sliced – for garnish and fresh bite

Optional Add-Ins

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced – for a warming, spicy kick
1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce – if you want a thicker, richer sauce variation
Toasted sesame seeds, for topping – adds texture and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein

Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant, saucy noodle stir-fry to life. Timing is key, so keep all your ingredients prepped and within reach before firing up the heat.

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps give them a slight crust and helps the sauce cling.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Boil water and cook 8 oz chow mein noodles according to package instructions until just al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and lightly browned.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked noodles to the pan with the broccoli.
Pour in the honey garlic sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Return the shrimp to the pan and stir everything together for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat all the ingredients.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy that glossy, garlicky goodness.

Notes

Use Fresh Shrimp If Possible: While frozen shrimp work well, using fresh, deveined shrimp gives the best texture and flavor. Just make sure they’re thoroughly dried before cooking.
Customize Your Veggies: Broccoli is classic, but don’t hesitate to mix in snap peas, shredded carrots, or bell peppers. This is a flexible, fridge-friendly recipe.
Noodle Options: Chow mein noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with yakisoba, ramen (without seasoning packets), or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Sauce Adjustments: Like it sweeter? Add a bit more honey. Need a saltier punch? A splash more soy sauce will do. Want deeper umami? Stir in a spoonful of oyster sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—1 to 2 minutes per side. Any longer, and they’ll turn rubbery and dry. Cook until just pink and firm.
Crowding the Pan: If you add too much at once, especially with shrimp or noodles, the ingredients will steam rather than sear. Work in batches if needed.
Skipping the Sauce Prep: Stir-frying is fast. If your sauce isn’t ready before you start, you’ll risk overcooking other ingredients while you scramble.
Not Drying the Noodles or Shrimp: Excess water can dilute your sauce and prevent searing. Make sure both are patted dry after cooking or rinsing.
Undercooking the Broccoli: It should be tender-crisp, not raw. If it’s too firm, splash in a tablespoon of water, cover for a minute, then uncover and continue stir-frying.
Using Low Heat: Stir-fry thrives on high heat. It locks in texture and flavor. Medium-high to high is the sweet spot.
Skipping the Tossing: Don’t just stir—lift and toss ingredients to coat them evenly and build better texture and flavor absorption.
Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving. Adjust honey, soy, or seasoning at the end to ensure the perfect balance for your taste buds.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein?

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides or starters can turn it into a full-blown Asian-inspired feast. Here are some delicious options to elevate your meal:

8 Recommendations

Spring Rolls
Crispy and golden, vegetable or shrimp spring rolls offer a crunchy contrast to the tender noodles. Serve with sweet chili sauce.
Asian Cucumber Salad
A cool, refreshing side with rice vinegar, sesame, and sliced cucumbers—perfect to balance the warm, savory stir-fry.
Steamed Dumplings
Chicken, pork, or veggie dumplings make a great appetizer. Their soft, juicy bite complements the chow mein’s texture.
Hot and Sour Soup
Tangy and slightly spicy, this classic soup acts as a flavorful, warming starter to round out the meal.
Edamame with Sea Salt
Light, healthy, and snackable. These steamed soybeans are a simple way to add protein and texture.
Kimchi
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this spicy fermented Korean side dish adds tang and heat that pair surprisingly well with sweet-savory noodles.
Fried Rice
Serve a small scoop of egg fried rice on the side or underneath the chow mein for a double-carb indulgence with texture variety.
Miso Soup
Light and umami-rich, miso soup adds depth without overwhelming the main dish—great for a balanced, comforting meal.

Storage Instructions

Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein stores well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended. The texture of the shrimp and noodles tends to degrade after freezing and thawing.

How to Reheat:

Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Stir frequently until hot.
Microwave: Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until evenly warmed. Add a little water to avoid drying out.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating—it only needs to be warmed, not cooked again.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Note: Actual values may vary slightly based on brands and substitutions.

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 13g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 940mg
Cholesterol: 165mg

This dish provides a good balance of lean protein, moderate carbs, and healthy fats, making it both satisfying and energizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which can affect searing and sauce texture.

2. What’s the best type of noodle to use?

Chow mein noodles are ideal for this recipe due to their firm texture and quick cooking time. However, you can also use yakisoba, ramen (discard seasoning), or even spaghetti in a pinch.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or a mix of hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Swap fish sauce or oyster sauce for vegetarian versions if needed.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The red pepper flakes are optional and easy to control. You can skip them or add more depending on your heat preference.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can slice vegetables, mix the sauce, and even pre-cook the noodles ahead of time. When ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together fresh.

6. What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can skip it or substitute with toasted peanut oil for a different nutty note. While sesame oil adds depth, it’s not critical.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before cooking. It’ll thicken as it heats, especially once tossed with the noodles and shrimp.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since soy sauce and some noodles contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and choose certified gluten-free noodles.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein is the kind of dish that transforms a handful of ingredients into something crave-worthy. With succulent shrimp glazed in a glossy honey garlic sauce and noodles that soak up every drop, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply need a reliable dinner idea, this dish is fast, flavorful, and always satisfying.

Ready in under 30 minutes, it checks every box: weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Once you make it, it’ll quickly earn a place in your regular rotation.